Seriously -- almost ever "deal" that is posted about a great eBay price is for grey market items. Either spell that out (here on CR) or don't post it. Many people view it as an endorsement of a reputable vender - akin to specials at B&H, etc.

Seriously -- almost ever "deal" that is posted about a great eBay price is for grey market items. Either spell that out (here on CR) or don't post it. Many people view it as an endorsement of a reputable vender - akin to specials at B&H, etc.

This.

Almost all of BVI's negative feedback (mine included) point to them being a gray-market vendor with horrible customer service. There are other dealers with ebay outlets (I.e. PMI Digital AKA Profeel Marketing Inc that are listed as a Canon Authorized Dealer) that have similar deals (albeit not at such rock bottom prices as BVI).

I'm not saying don't refrain from posting BVI deals, but potential customers should proceed with caution.

In short, Canon needs to eliminate gray market, period. As well, they need to stop making their legitimate dealerships jump through a series of flaming hoops to get their instant savings back they're forced to give customers. It takes up to 3 months to get you IS back from them, but they're on you the second a below MAP price pops up any where. Not to mention, will hold special order product indefinitely, without notice, because of some sort of invoicing issues. They treat independent dealers like criminals when the real criminals are the ones selling the gray market machines, which are in turn, being promoted by sites like this.

So happy to have switched from Canon. I used to like them.

« Last Edit: January 12, 2013, 02:15:21 PM by markbyland »

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Faxon

I watch this site looking camera prices, waiting to buy a 5Diii. But I would only buy from BH or Adorama. Amazon would be fine except that they are now collecting CA sales tax, whereas BH is not. So that makes it foolish to buy from Amazon, as much as I love to give all my money to tax agencies.

I bought 5D III body from the BigValueInc at $2499.99 on the Black Friday special deal. It's brand new with the USA and Canada warranty registration card included. If this one has the registration card included it will be excellent deal. I called Canon USA then. They told me Canon has no policy that you must purchase from authorized dealers to cover one-year standard warranty or post warranty service. USA registration card is required but usually Canon doesn't ask to send a copy of the registration card for service, at least I was never asked when I sent 60D and S95 for the warranty services. They also told me they are unable to check if a camera is a USA model or not based on the serial number. It's a tough call for this expensive camera at this price if it's a grey imported.

I bought 5D III body from the BigValueInc at $2499.99 on the Black Friday special deal. It's brand new with the USA and Canada warranty registration card included. If this one has the registration card included it will be excellent deal. I called Canon USA then. They told me Canon has no policy that you must purchase from authorized dealers to cover one-year standard warranty or post warranty service. USA registration card is required but usually Canon doesn't ask to send a copy of the registration card for service, at least I was never asked when I sent 60D and S95 for the warranty services. They also told me they are unable to check if a camera is a USA model or not based on the serial number. It's a tough call for this expensive camera at this price if it's a grey imported.

Most people report not getting a USA warranty, you are the first I have seen to report that you got the real thing from BVI. And everytime I required warranty service for Canon, I had to include a receipt, however I'm not sure if they check if it's from authorized dealer or not.